A recent veterinary roundtable discussion, focused on how pain is managed in dogs with osteoarthritis, has highlighted the need to prioritise patient screening, case selection, and communication of benefits and risk to inform treatment decision-making.
The virtual event, hosted by Zoetis Australia, brought together veterinary professionals who agreed that “not all cases are equal” and that earlier, more structured screening may be key to improving outcomes.
The roundtable was convened to listen and gather perspectives from veterinary nurses, general practice veterinarians, and specialists in small animal surgery and veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. It was a platform for peers to discuss the importance and opportunities to optimise osteoarthritis pain management, including addressing questions about treating osteoarthritis pain in dogs and the role of Beransa® in supporting this.
Participants highlighted the value of individualising treatment for osteoarthritis pain management in dogs with several factors playing a critical role in shaping clinical decisions including age, comorbidities, degree of pain, owner goals or expectations, and the depth of diagnostic work up.
This discussion reinforced that effective pain management must be tailored to the individual dog, grounded in available clinical data, and guided by ongoing assessment in collaboration with the owner. It was also acknowledged that a standardised approach to treatment and ongoing assessment could support greater continuity of care.
The discussion also sought to share insights into opportunities for the use of Beransa by encouraging science-led, constructive conversations at a peer level.
Dr Megan Lui, associate director of Veterinary Operations at Zoetis Australia, was an observer at the roundtable discussion. She emphasised the importance of the veterinary profession and industry working together to understand the real-world application of innovative treatment options in clinical practice to help improve the management of osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
“While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are many ways we can help dogs live a better, pain-free life,” Dr Lui said.
“Zoetis recognises that the use of Beransa to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs is highly topical, and we want to create opportunities for open and honest conversation about this within the vet profession.”
